The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern about the rise in illegal drug activities in the state, comparing the situation to the widespread sale of sachet water.
Callys Alumona, the new Commander of the agency, shared these observations during a meeting with Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House in Benin City on Thursday.
Alumona mentioned that the agency had visited various locations in Benin City known for illicit drug sales and observed that drugs were being sold as openly as bottled water in those areas.
According to him, “We have been to Ihama and Country Home Hotel Roads and other hotspots for sale of illicit drugs in the State. What we saw was not pleasing at all. Drugs are being hawked like pure water in these areas.
“This experience has led us to begin to raid some of these places identified. We have raided Ihama about three times to get these people.”
He mentioned that they have apprehended around 12 drug abusers who are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Additionally, approximately 14,000 tonnes of cannabis sativa have been destroyed in the state, along with about 153,000 kilograms of cannabis and other drugs being removed from the streets.
During his speech, Obaseki accused certain agency officers of contributing to the growth of illegal drug activities in the state by collaborating with sellers and users.
Obaseki, represented by his Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha, stated that there are more than 15 hotspots where illegal drugs are being traded, which the government is closely monitoring.
He mentioned that some agency officers have allegedly visited these hotspots seeking bribes, allowing the illegal activities to persist.
“I can show you the hotspots around Benin City. We have over 15 hotspots which we are monitoring. The drug business is troubling because some officers collude with these drug sellers and users.
“They come into these hotspots to request for settlement and allow the illicit business to continue. In doing this, lives are being destroyed.
“A breach of intelligence report may have been responsible for the death of some of your men in Edo North during one of your operations to raid drug spots”, he alleged.
Obaseki claimed that a breach in intelligence reports may have led to the exposure of some officials of the agency during a raid on drug spots in Edo North.
He mentioned that his government is enhancing collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to improve strategies in combating the drug problem in the State.
Additionally, he stated that the state government is empowering youths to deter them from substance abuse and other negative behaviors. He praised the new commander for targeting hotspots in the State and making efforts to eradicate the drug issue in Edo.
“The issue of drugs for us is a problem that we are taking seriously as an administration because the drug problem leads to other criminal activities. Most accidents occur as a result of the abuse and use of drugs.
“Government is taking the issue of drug abuse seriously. We have visited Col. Buba Maruwa in Abuja to discuss how to rid the State of illicit drugs. It is important that you have visited Ihama, Country Home Hotel Roads, and other locations, because that shows that you are ready to work. We thank you and want to let you know that there is more work to be done.
“We are ready to provide the necessary support needed for you to succeed in this fight against drug abuse in the State.
“You have a lot to do as we will collaborate with you and other sister security agencies to win the war against this drug issue. Nobody can do it alone. Synergy will help us succeed and win against all odds”, he added.
The NDLEA officials met at the government house to discuss and plan strategies to enhance the fight against illegal drugs in the state.
